Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (24): 6275-6281.doi: 10.12307/2026.226

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Mechanism of cuproptosis in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic-related diseases

Li Huaying1, Li Hao1, Peng Wuxun1, 2, Dong Wentao1, 2   

  1. 1Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China; 2Department of Emergency Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China 
  • Received:2025-06-27 Revised:2025-10-18 Online:2026-08-28 Published:2026-02-03
  • Contact: Dong Wentao, Associate professor, Master’s supervisor, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China; Department of Emergency Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
  • About author:Li Huaying, MS candidate, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou Province, China
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 82260429 (to PWX); Joint Fund of Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Department, No. Qiankehe Foundation-ZK[2023] General 345 (to DWT)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that cuproptosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of orthopedic diseases. However, the regulatory roles and mechanisms of cuproptosis in orthopedic-related diseases remain unclear.
OBJECTIVE: To review the roles and mechanisms of cuproptosis in orthopedic-related diseases.
METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database using the following English keywords: "cuproptosis," "copper steady state," "osteoarthritis," "osteoporosis," "rheumatoid arthritis," "osteosarcoma," and "oxidative stress." The search included publications up to March 2025. According to the inclusion criteria, 55 articles were finally included for review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In osteoarthritis, excessive copper ions induce the expression of metal-regulatory transcription factor 1, indirectly activating matrix metalloproteinases and leading to cartilage degradation. Cuproptosis disrupts the tricarboxylic acid cycle and inhibits glutamine metabolism, triggering oxidative stress and accelerating chondrocyte death. In osteoporosis, cuproptosis suppresses glutamine metabolism and mineralization in osteoblasts while promoting osteoclast differentiation, thereby disrupting the balance between bone formation and resorption. In rheumatoid arthritis, copper ions activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, promoting abnormal synovial cell activation and inflammatory cytokine release, which exacerbates joint destruction. In osteosarcoma, high concentrations of copper ions target ferredoxin 1, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and proteotoxic stress to selectively kill tumor cells. The mechanisms of cuproptosis in orthopedic diseases are complex and multifaceted, involving diverse cell types and signaling pathways. Targeting cuproptosis or its associated pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies for orthopedic disorders, such as the application of copper chelators or ionophores, demonstrating significant clinical potential. Future studies should further elucidate the precise regulatory mechanisms of cuproptosis and explore its translational value in disease treatment.

Key words: cuproptosis, orthopedic-related diseases, copper homeostasis, oxidative stress, targeted therapy, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteosarcoma, review

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